"Beware the Batman" in 2013! New Animated Series

[the G-man]

Sidekicks with swords and guns sounds like a weird choice for a kids' show in this day and age. If they wanted a female sidekick, why not Batgirl or one of the female Robins?

[Nerys Myk]

Cuz Ninjas are cool.

[the G-man]

Wasn't Cassandra Cain Batgirl also a ninja?

[Nerys Myk]

She was half Chinese and trained by of the League of Assassins.

[Christopher]

the G-man wrote:

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Sidekicks with swords and guns sounds like a weird choice for a kids' show in this day and age.

No, it would've been a weird choice for a kids' show in the 1970s when I was a kid, but it's been pretty commonplace since the '80s. As far as kids' shows currently on the air are concerned, let's see... Agent Six on Generator Rex wields a pair of high-tech swords, and the other Providence agents use guns. Aqualad on Young Justice can magically form weapons out of water and often makes swords. The Jedi in Star Wars: The Clone Wars use lightsabers and the other characters use plenty of guns. The Transformers have heavy artillery built into their bodies. War Machine in Iron Man: Armored Adventures has heavy armaments built into his suit. And the Power Rangers often wield swords, ray guns, or swords that change into ray guns.

[the G-man]

You make a good point. However, most of the guns or swords you cite are "imaginary" or fantasy weapons that might look like real world items but that no kid can actually get and use. A kid can conceivably find an actual knife or firearm. That was why I was a little surprised. That and the fact that, like you, I remember the standards and practices of the 70s.

[RJDiogenes]

I just don't see why the butler can't just be the butler.

[Admiral_Young]

^ Cause Alfred is not simply just a butler and hasn't been for a long time.

[the G-man]

But he has been the guy who stayed home for a long time, not one who went out on adventures.

[Christopher]

^Why is it so horrible to try something different? If every Batman show were exactly the same, what would be the point? And why are Internet fans so determined to hate every new thing they hear a tiny bit about rather than being willing to give it a fair chance?

[JarodRussell]

Christopher wrote:

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^Why is it so horrible to try something different? If every Batman show were exactly the same, what would be the point? And why are Internet fans so determined to hate every new thing they hear a tiny bit about rather than being willing to give it a fair chance?

Simply because gun-blazin' Alfred is all shades of stupid.

[Broccoli]

Christopher wrote:

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^Why is it so horrible to try something different? If every Batman show were exactly the same, what would be the point? And why are Internet fans so determined to hate every new thing they hear a tiny bit about rather than being willing to give it a fair chance?

BeCUZ its NEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE HORROR!!!!!!!

[the G-man]

JarodRussell wrote:

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Simply because gun-blazin' Alfred is all shades of stupid.

Pretty much. New isn't always improved. If they wanted something different, why not a "Batman and the Outsiders" series with Metamorpho, Katanna, Black Lightning, Halo, etc.? Or a "Batman and Robin" series with Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson (as opposed to "Batman" shows with occasional Robin appearances)? Or even a "Dark Knight" style show with an older Bruce, nearing retirement and a Carrie Kelly Robin?

How about a "Batman and the Birds of Prey" show? Team up Bruce with and Batgirl and Black Canary.

[Mr. Adventure]

I'll give it a shot when it airs. Animated series are often an "Elseworlds" take on the material so stuff like "gun-toting Alfred" have to be taken in stride. It might work fine within its own context. I know it's frustrating to the fans of the comics sometimes but the animated versions aren't necessarily seeking to present that and have their own creative ends they are trying to fulfill. From what I've seen animation guys often like to experiment with new styles, especially with TV. I hope it works out though I have some early reservations with that initial image as well.

[Nerys Myk]

the G-man wrote:

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But he has been the guy who stayed home for a long time, not one who went out on adventures.

He's been out and about a lot. Starting in the Golden Age when he fancied himself a Holmesian private detective. Then there were the times he took Batman's place in the Batman TV series. To name but two.